RAILWAY FACILITIES FOR GISBORNE

Southland Times, Issue 23634, 8 October 1938, Page 15

RAILWAY FACILITIES FOR GISBORNE

(United Press Association) GISBORNE, October 7. “The completion of the WairoaGisborne line,” said the Minister of Railways (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan), “will entail the provision of additional siding accommodation and better facilities in the station gear at Gisborne. It is proposed to shift the platform and station building about 50 feet back towards the town to provide room for four additional sidings. The goods shed is to be extended, a goods office to be constructed and better shunting facilities to be provider l .

“Provision will be made for additional local delivery facilities if required,” Mr Sullivan continued. “The locomotive depot is to be rearranged on modern lines to give better watering, sanding and coaling facilities, and a 70ft turntable is to be installed to turn the engines that will be used on the new line. This is the biggest size of turntable in use in New Zealand, and it will consequently be capable of handling the longest and most powerful locomotives of the department’s fleet. A shed 140 ft long by 36ft wide will be construct 1 to house the ‘standard’ type of rail-cars that will be run on this line.

“The proposals outlined,” said the Minister, “will involve a total expenditure of about £16,000.”